Amwins has released its State of the Market - A Focus on the Healthcare Industry report on November 24, 2025, as part of the State of the Market 2025 series. The report explains that the healthcare insurance market continues to move through change as capacity, pricing, and coverage terms evolve across multiple sectors heading into 2026. It also shows that new entrants and surplus lines carriers are creating more options in certain areas. However, claims severity, social inflation, and regulatory pressures continue to challenge both insurers and insureds. As a result, markets remain selective for classes tied to vulnerable populations or high-severity claims, while competition stays stronger in more stable sectors.

Capacity, Pricing, and Coverage Limitations

The report describes a mixed environment across healthcare lines. Overall, the market shows both easing and selective hardening. Competitive segments such as home healthcare and some allied health classes maintain broad capacity and modest rate movement. In contrast, high-severity classes like human services face constrained capacity and significant rate increases. New surplus lines entrants are helping to expand options, yet carriers continue to apply caution in high-risk jurisdictions and for accounts serving vulnerable populations.

Allied Health Shows Softening With Targeted Constraints

According to the report, allied healthcare has softened over the past year. Rates are generally flat to single digits for standard business because new carriers entered the market and competed aggressively for new accounts. At the same time, certain exposures continue to challenge underwriters. These include correctional healthcare, hospital staffing, and inpatient facilities such as drug and alcohol treatment centers.

Carriers are limiting capacity more frequently in these areas. They are reducing excess limits from historical layers of $5 million to $10 million down to $2 million to $3 million. In some cases, carriers are not renewing excess layers at all. High-severity jurisdictions such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., California, New Mexico, and Florida remain under close review. The report links this scrutiny to higher litigation risk and rising professional liability claim severity. It also notes that carriers are closely underwriting sexual abuse coverage for accounts serving vulnerable populations. In addition, they are increasing attention on hired and non-owned auto exposures.

Home Healthcare Remains Highly Competitive

The report states that home healthcare and hospice continue to benefit from strong market competition. More than 60 admitted and surplus lines carriers offer primary professional liability, commercial general liability, and abuse and molestation coverage. Coverage forms tend to be broader than many competitors, especially regarding abuse and molestation limits.

Even though claims severity has increased, deep market competition keeps rate movement modest. Pricing remains the main challenge in this segment, according to the report.

Life Sciences Exposures Drive Detailed Underwriting

The report explains that life sciences remain an area of focused underwriting. Carriers are watching the risk landscape expand as emerging technologies and new business models grow. Exposures tied to AI-driven diagnostics, direct-to-consumer health technologies, and data privacy present distinct underwriting challenges. As a result, insurers are reviewing clinical trials, product development, and regulatory compliance carefully.

Capacity remains generally available, yet carriers are scrutinizing operational protocols, quality control, and risk management frameworks more closely. Coverage limitations are also becoming more specialized. For example, cyber liability and technology-driven risks may require endorsements or separate policy structures. The report adds that pricing stays competitive in lower-risk life sciences sectors but hardens where emerging liability or regulatory uncertainty appears. Carriers are monitoring potential exposure from diagnostics errors, medical device failures, and AI-driven decision-making because these issues can increase claim severity. The continued expansion of direct-to-consumer products and telehealth services also introduces operational and reputational risks that require tailored policy language.

Human and Social Services Remain the Hardest Market

The report identifies human and social services as one of the most difficult areas in healthcare liability coverage. These organizations serve vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, disabled individuals, and people in residential or foster care programs. The report explains that the hard market reflects claims brought many years after incidents occurred. These delayed claims can trigger underpriced occurrence-form policies. In addition, Abuse and Molestation liability losses, especially in youth services, are increasing volatility.

Pricing for this sector shows large swings. The report cites increases ranging from 100 percent to 800 percent or more when accounts move from admitted carriers to excess and surplus lines markets. Capacity is limited. Traditional package carriers are reducing umbrella limits or withdrawing, and excess liability often requires layered programs with lower limit deployment strategies. Coverage exclusions are also increasing. These include enforcement exclusions tied to background checks, limitations involving self-inflicted injury or elopement, and SAM sublimits.

The report links high claim severity to reviver statutes, sympathetic juries, vulnerable populations, and third-party litigation funding. It also notes that expanding service models, including youth residential programs, correctional healthcare, and telehealth exposures, add complexity. Specialized surplus lines carriers and experienced brokers support this space through layered placements. Strong submissions that describe operations, staffing, and risk management remain critical when seeking favorable terms.

Senior Care Faces Rising Loss Costs and Limited Excess Capacity

In long-term care and senior living, the report notes rising loss costs tied to social inflation, litigation funding, and operational stress. New entrants may offer aggressive pricing to gain market share. However, carriers with longer experience aim to moderate reductions because claims trends continue to worsen. Excess capacity remains limited, and some carriers are reducing limits while excluding SAM coverage on excess layers.

Coverage forms have changed in response to credit risk. The report notes greater use of lower deductibles and first-dollar structures. At the same time, insureds face pressure from declining Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements plus staffing shortages. These dynamics contribute to heightened underwriting scrutiny.

Underwriter Perspective on Current Pressures

Amwins underwriters emphasize closer evaluation across segments. In allied healthcare, they focus on inpatient and correctional staffing exposures because these remain higher risk. In human services and senior care, they require deeper analysis of abuse and molestation risk, looking at both historical losses and current operational controls.

Across all sectors, rising social inflation, nuclear verdicts, and higher claim severity are driving more review of risk management protocols, staffing practices, and loss mitigation. Underwriters are also assessing deductibles, coverage forms, and policy limits against real operational exposure. They are becoming increasingly selective about excess capacity and attachment levels.

The report notes that new market entrants may offer reduced pricing or limits, yet underwriters caution that these terms may not last because loss and litigation pressures continue. In contrast, carriers with long-term healthcare experience provide more stable pricing and stronger claims handling over time. Underwriters also stress the value of complete and detailed submissions. Loss runs, staffing data, operational narratives, and corrective action documentation help carriers understand risk and price accordingly. Structured solutions, such as layered excess and stand-alone excess placements, support challenging exposures.

Regulatory and Litigation Trends Shape Coverage

The report explains that healthcare insurance faces complex regulatory and litigation pressures, especially in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Reviver statutes and expanded lookback periods for abuse claims increase liabilities tied to older incidents. Third-party litigation funding also affects claim severity and settlement values, which leads to higher pricing and more restrictive terms. Tort reform efforts, including recent legislation in Georgia, may offer some relief, although the report states that outcomes remain too early to measure.

Technology and AI Expand Exposure Profiles

Technology-driven services continue to expand exposure. The report highlights telehealth and remote counseling as growing areas that bring supervision gaps, cyber risks, and questions about standards of care. Life sciences tied to AI diagnostics, data privacy, and direct-to-consumer technology also require tailored underwriting and careful evaluation.

AI use is increasing across diagnostics, drug development, and clinical trial analysis. The report notes that AI tools can improve efficiency, yet they also create risk if they misinterpret data during trials. Insurers are paying close attention to how companies validate and monitor AI systems to ensure proper oversight and compliance.

Strategic Renewal Approaches for Retailers and Insureds

The report advises retailers and insureds to take proactive renewal steps. These include early engagement with brokers, strong and complete submissions, and proactive negotiation around coverage details such as abuse and molestation limits, employee definitions, incident-sensitive triggers, and defense outside limits. The report also recommends considering layered excess structures to maximize capacity while managing retention trade-offs. It emphasizes documenting risk management programs, including staff training, abuse-prevention protocols, and incident reporting.

London Market Conditions Mirror Domestic Pressures

London markets are facing similar conditions to U.S. domestic markets. The report states that rising claims and social inflation are influencing pricing, attachment points, and coverage terms. Sexual abuse and molestation claims have reached new highs, and London carriers are managing SAM limits more actively, including through standalone solutions.

Even so, London remains supportive of allied healthcare, long-term care, and hospital programs, especially for large or hard-to-place risks. Correctional healthcare and social services remain difficult. Full submissions with detailed claims histories and risk management protocols are essential to secure favorable terms.

Key Watch Points Heading Into 2026

The report highlights several areas for continued attention:

• Reduced capacity for excess and SAM coverage in human services and senior care
• Continued pricing pressure for vulnerable populations and high-severity classes
• Greater scrutiny in jurisdictions with strong litigation trends or expanded statutes of limitation
• Increased importance of proactive risk management and mitigation documentation
• Ongoing need to evaluate emerging technology and telehealth exposures for liability and cyber risk

Amwins’ State of the Market healthcare report presents a market that continues to shift as the industry moves toward 2026. Competitive capacity remains in place for segments such as home healthcare and standard allied health risks. Meanwhile, high-severity sectors like human and social services and senior care face tighter capacity, rising pricing, and more restrictive coverage terms. Across the market, regulatory change, litigation trends, and technology-driven exposures are shaping underwriting behavior. As carriers apply selectivity and new entrants compete in targeted areas, detailed submissions and proactive renewal strategies remain central themes for securing sustainable coverage.

Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. 

Amwins has released its State of the Market Report: A Focus on the Energy Marketplace as part of two State of the Market 2025 reports, with the other focused on healthcare. The energy report shows a clear split heading into 2026, as the property side softens while casualty conditions remain tight. It highlights softening property trends across downstream, midstream, and power, alongside rising severity and litigation costs that are inflating casualty claims and shaping insurer efforts to manage volatility. The report also notes that accelerated energy demand is influencing underwriting, with population growth, elevated temperatures, and expanding energy use from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency mining contributing to the risk environment in the property market.

The energy insurance market enters 2026 after two years of disruption and adjustment. Property lines now benefit from abundant capacity and strong competition, while casualty lines remain tighter. Underwriters continue to hold firm on limits and retentions in casualty, and this contrast is expected to persist as the energy sector responds to rapid technological and operational change.

Market Conditions Heading Into 2026

After widespread turbulence, the energy market moves into 2026 with renewed competition in some areas and selective underwriting discipline in others. Rates broadly soften in downstream property and professional lines. At the same time, casualty markets continue to face social inflation, nuclear verdicts, and higher loss severity. Early 2025 began with notable losses, which slowed the pace of softening temporarily but did not reverse it. As a result, insureds should expect a continued split between property and casualty conditions in 2026.

Downstream Energy Property Sector Stabilizes

On the property side, the downstream energy market continues to soften. Several years of correction set the stage for more consistent rate relief in 2025. Capacity expanded, and insurer profitability improved after a benign 2024 loss year. Refinery losses at PBF Energy’s Martinez facility and Varo Energy’s Bayernoil facility early in 2025 produced large industry losses. Even so, rate reductions continued because overall insurer profitability remained positive.

Through the balance of 2025, the downstream property market keeps an optimistic outlook, supported by an oversupply of capacity across nearly all segments. Rates remain soft, with reductions reaching as high as 20 percent in some placements. However, non-catastrophe losses have already exceeded the total global premium for the downstream sector. In addition, several large natural catastrophe events have increased attention on the 2025/2026 reinsurance treaty renewals and early 2026 placements. These renewals may indicate whether the market shifts toward more disciplined rating.

Capacity remains plentiful, and underwriters now deploy larger line sizes for well-engineered, loss-free risks. Oversubscription has become common, and even maintaining market share has become difficult. Soft-market incentives have returned, including long-term agreements and no-claims bonuses. Underwriters are also considering loosening retention levels and margins on key clauses such as Business Interruption Volatility.

At renewal, underwriters are paying closer attention to contractor performance and oversight, plus supply chain issues that have contributed to recent loss events. Therefore, insureds should expect more scrutiny around safety procedures, vendor qualifications, and risk management frameworks. Despite this greater examination, strong competition remains in place for larger projects.

Power and Renewables

The property-driven power segment continues to face risks tied to rising demand and technological change. Population growth, elevated temperatures, and energy consumption from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency mining are straining power infrastructure. These pressures contribute to higher attritional losses.

Battery storage and solar installations continue to expand. Insurers support proven technologies that show robust loss control. However, new or untested technologies still face tighter terms and limited capacity. The growing frequency of insured SCS events remains a challenge for insurers. While capacity for these risks has increased, losses have led insurers to differentiate more sharply between individual projects and operators, especially in the solar industry.

Insurers are using more sophisticated data analytics and AI-driven modeling to assess and price exposures in this segment. Because of this shift, insureds should expect more detailed information requests during submission and renewal in order to secure optimal terms.

Midstream Sector Faces Capacity Rebalancing

In midstream property insurance, the market is showing rate relief. Competition from new entrants and expanded domestic capacity supports this movement. Still, conditions remain segmented. High-quality, well-managed assets are seeing rate decreases, while loss-affected risks face stricter underwriting review.

On the casualty side, the midstream market continues to deal with higher severity and litigation costs. Nuclear verdicts, third-party litigation funding, and social inflation are driving claims inflation. These factors limit the extent of rate softening. Carriers are tightening appetites, reducing limits, and applying higher attachment points to manage volatility.

Jurisdictional challenges are most pronounced in Texas and Louisiana. Plaintiff-friendly venues in these states have produced pricing pressure and reduced capacity. Although M&A activity has slowed due to regulatory scrutiny, midstream activity remains steady. New projects and asset expansions continue to support demand for coverage.

The casualty energy market is beginning to flatten in terms of rate movement. Loss trends and auto exposures keep pricing modestly positive, while new capacity steadily enters the U.S. domestic market. As loss development from 2020 through 2024 continues to build, underwriters are expected to hold rates near flat into 2026 rather than shift direction.

Upstream Energy Sector Confronts Limited Capacity

In upstream casualty, reduced participation by long-standing carriers has created challenges for large accounts that need significant limits. With fewer active markets, insureds rely more frequently on multi-carrier placements. Legal and jurisdictional severity in Texas and Louisiana continues to shape pricing and limit deployment.

Even with these pressures, the upstream segment remains stable overall. Pricing discipline is expected to continue into 2026. Reinsurance support and strong demand balance the current capacity constraints.

Professional Lines: Stable D&O and Soft Cyber Conditions

Professional and financial lines remain favorable. Directors and Officers insurance stays stable, supported by ample capacity and rate decreases for well-capitalized companies. Underwriters remain cautious with debt-leveraged or financially strained accounts. They maintain selectivity, yet they continue to compete for quality business.

Cyber insurance remains one of the softest markets in the energy sector. Premiums are generally flat or slightly down year over year. Increased insurer confidence in underwriting controls and improved claims experience support these conditions. Ransomware and class action privacy litigation continue to pose risks, although market sentiment remains stable. Capacity and competition continue to outweigh claim volatility in the near term.

London Energy Market

The London energy market continues to serve as a key hub for complex and international placements. It features strong capacity, competitive pricing, and ongoing personnel movement among underwriters and brokers. By the end of 2024, downstream property in London entered a sustained softening phase after a profitable year.

On the property side, rates are down by double digits, supported by abundant capacity, especially for well-engineered risks. In London, the Managing General Agent space continues to expand. This trend differs from the U.S. market, where capacity has contracted.

In casualty, social inflation and third-party litigation funding continue to pressure loss ratios. Even so, London markets remain willing to support higher limits for well-performing accounts. The market has not introduced new widespread exclusions. However, underwriters continue to focus on PFAS and cyber exposures.

Overall, London markets remain competitive and capacity-rich through 2025. Market participants are watching 2026 placements to see how these trends develop.

Takeaway for Insurance Professionals

The energy insurance market moves into 2026 with a clear divide between property and casualty dynamics. Property markets across downstream, midstream, and power are broadly softening because abundant capacity drives competition. In contrast, casualty markets remain disciplined due to ongoing legal and claims pressures.

As energy demand accelerates, underwriting behavior will continue to reflect growing use of AI-driven loss control systems, expansion in thermal and renewables power development, and new technologies across the sector. Market stability will depend on how underwriters balance discipline with capacity deployment while addressing emerging risks.

Amwins reports that it supports partners through market insight, proactive renewal strategies, and customized placement solutions. Its energy specialists work with retailers and insureds to anticipate change, protect portfolios, and respond to shifting conditions in the global energy marketplace.

Amwins Program Underwriters (APU), part of the Amwins Underwriting division, has announced the launch of its new AmeriComp Workers’ Compensation Program, a comprehensive underwriting solution designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers across a broad spectrum of industries. Backed by AM Best “A” rated carrier partner QBE, the AmeriComp program offers monoline workers’ compensation coverage for most low-to-high hazard classes, expanding APU’s appetite and enhancing its existing portfolio of successful programs, including Recycling and Healthcare workers’ comp. In addition to a broad industry appetite, the program also touts features like flexible billing options, tailored loss-control services and various employer liability limits that help agents deliver meaningful and competitive coverage to their clients. “This represents an exciting evolution for AmeriComp’s product line, complementing their existing market-access solution with a new, true underwriting program backed by QBE,” said Jon Beckham, president at Amwins Program Underwriters. “This next step showcases our deep underwriting expertise, trusted carrier partnerships and unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, high-performing solutions that help our clients win in a competitive marketplace.” AmeriComp’s new program brings together APU’s underwriting expertise, QBE’s carrier strength and a focus on efficient risk management to help retail agents deliver meaningful coverage and competitive options for their insureds while continuing Amwins’ legacy of specialization, partnership and innovation in the workers’ compensation space. Learn more: Amwins Program Underwriters Workers’ Compensation - AmeriComp Program   Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Amwins has released new data in its “State of the Market: A Focus on Public Entity” report, offering a concise look at how public entity insurance is shaping up in 2025. Overall, conditions appear relatively stable, even as legal, legislative and valuation pressures continue to shape how risk is underwritten.

Big Picture

• The public entity market is generally stable in 2025.
• Large public entities are still guided mainly by budgets, limits, and retentions, which are staying fairly consistent year over year.
• Carriers are becoming more selective and are leaning heavily on updated data, valuations, and technology.

Property Highlights

• The property market is softening, with more capacity and competition, including for regional school districts and municipalities.
• Valuations are under the microscope as inflation and construction costs push replacement values higher.
• Large or catastrophe-exposed schedules still face tighter capacity, and layered structures are increasingly common.

Casualty Highlights

• Casualty remains pressured by legal system abuse, nuclear verdicts, social inflation, and shifting legislation.
• Reviver statutes, including California’s AB 218, are driving large volumes of historical abuse claims — one example cited is a $4 billion settlement involving Los Angeles County.
• Trends include more claims being brought in federal court to avoid tort caps and the growing use of theories that challenge traditional immunity protections.
• Collaboration among defense counsel, pools, and carriers is increasing, along with the use of analytics and AI to support litigation and claims strategies.

Professional Lines & Underwriting

• Cyber claims have not slowed, but overall appetite and underwriting requirements remain steady, with tighter conditions and fewer carriers offering higher limits, especially on larger risks.
• Some package and program carriers are reducing limits or trimming professional coverages, prompting more interest in standalone public official, crime, and fiduciary liability policies.
• Underwriting remains selective and jurisdiction-driven, with higher limits harder to secure and more emphasis on recent three to five years of loss data, standard exclusions (such as PFAS, cyber, and biometric), and higher retentions or self-insured layers.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Amwins, a global distributor of specialty insurance products and services, has announced the launch of Cyber+, an exclusive proprietary cyber insurance product designed to offer enhanced protection and stability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Comprehensive Cyber Coverage

Cyber+ delivers SME-focused coverage features, including:

• $500,000 social engineering and invoice manipulation fraud limits with enhanced coverage wording
• Breach costs primary to other insurance
• Breach costs outside the limit (up to $4 million) and $1 million additional defense costs outside policy limit
• Full limit hardware bricking and replacement coverage
• “Pay on behalf” event management and extortion expenses

Cybersecurity and Breach Response Support

In addition to its broad insurance protection, Cyber+ includes access to services from Upfort Shield, a leading cybersecurity suite, and Mullen Coughlin, a premier cybersecurity law firm specializing in breach response. Policyholders gain enterprise-grade tools such as employee cyber training, browser firewall extensions, and inbox threat detection.

Addressing Market Challenges

Matt Donovan, executive vice president at Amwins, highlighted the product’s focus on resolving frustrations in the current SME cyber market. “With the uptick in social engineering activity over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a number of social engineering and invoice manipulation policy restrictions cause insureds pain at the time of loss,” he said. By eliminating common restrictions and offering sublimits double the market standard, Cyber+ aims to provide greater confidence to retail clients and their insureds.

The SME cyber insurance sector has long faced challenges including confusing policy language, misunderstood coverage limitations, and inadequate limits. Cyber+ is positioned to provide a streamlined solution with comprehensive coverage and proactive tools to help reduce risk.

Exclusive Availability Through Amwins IQ

Cyber+ is available exclusively for new business through Amwins IQ, the company’s online marketplace that provides firm, bindable quotes within minutes.

John Grise, executive vice president at Amwins, stated, “We’re delivering a product that not only addresses today’s challenges but also anticipates tomorrow’s risks.” He added that the launch demonstrates Amwins’ commitment to innovation and leadership in an industry where stability, foresight, and efficiency are critical.

About Amwins

Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the United States. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company serves retail insurance agents by offering property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Amwins operates through more than 138 offices worldwide and manages premium placements exceeding $44.5 billion annually.

Amwins reports that the liability insurance market for senior care facilities is undergoing significant changes, marked by rising claim costs, tighter underwriting standards, and shifting capacity. Senior care providers — from nursing homes and assisted living facilities to hospice care and home health agencies — are navigating a complex environment where established insurers, new entrants, and evolving risks are reshaping coverage availability and pricing.

Market Fragmentation and Pricing Pressures

According to Amwins, the market remains fragmented as experienced carriers either pull back or hold firm on rates, while newer entrants compete for market share by undercutting prices. This dynamic, combined with many facilities receiving flat renewals, is pressuring carriers to lower prices to retain accounts. New insurers are introducing predictive analytics and alternative rating methodologies, but the long-term effectiveness of these approaches remains untested in this long-tail business.

Escalating Claims and Underwriting Shifts

Amwins notes that insurers are recalibrating their underwriting strategies to address mounting losses. Measures include reducing policy limits, increasing retentions, narrowing coverage terms, and applying stricter underwriting criteria. Claim severity has notably increased: slip-and-fall cases that once settled for around $150,000 now often reach $350,000. High-risk jurisdictions such as Cook County, Sacramento, and parts of Kentucky are seeing more large verdicts, further complicating risk assessments.

After a brief decline during 2020 and 2021, claim frequency has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. However, loss runs from those years can appear artificially low because many courts were closed, leading to potentially misleading data and underestimated risk exposure.

Heightened Challenges for Memory Care and Dementia Facilities

Amwins highlights that memory care and dementia-focused operations face particularly acute challenges. These facilities often have fewer regulatory requirements than skilled nursing homes but serve highly vulnerable populations. Common risks — such as resident elopement, aggression, and behavioral incidents — are amplified by staffing shortages and gaps in oversight.

Underwriters are placing greater emphasis on detailed operational information, including locked door policies, monitoring technology, and staff-to-resident ratios. Coverage remains available but typically comes with higher deductibles, tighter terms, and broader exclusions, especially in states like California and Florida. Common provisions include sub-limits on abuse coverage and exclusions for class action suits or punitive damages.

Importance of Comprehensive and Transparent Submissions

Amwins emphasizes that securing favorable coverage increasingly depends on complete and transparent insurance submissions. Insurers expect detailed operational and financial data, including census figures, inspection reports, and information on safety technologies like fall detection systems and electronic medical records (EMRs). Full historical loss data is essential — even when a facility has changed ownership — since incomplete records can prompt unfavorable assumptions.

Ownership clarity is another critical element. Clearly identifying decision-makers and demonstrating a focus on resident care, rather than asset management, strengthens a facility’s underwriting position. High-quality, real-time documentation systems, such as Minimum Data Set (MDS) platforms and EMRs, can further validate a facility’s risk management practices.

Outlook

Amwins reports that the senior care liability market continues to pose challenges with rising claims, increased scrutiny, and evolving market participation. While new carriers and analytical tools are entering the field, sustained success will depend on proven data integrity and risk management practices. Comprehensive submissions, transparent ownership structures, and robust operational documentation remain key to securing and maintaining adequate liability coverage.

Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. 

Amwins, a global distributor of specialty insurance products and services, has released its 2025 Transportation State of the Market Report, providing an in-depth analysis of the economic, regulatory and legal pressures shaping one of the most complex sectors in today’s economy.

From rising commercial auto premiums and mounting litigation costs to the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the transportation industry is navigating unprecedented headwinds. Limited market entrants along with shrinking capacity and rising loss ratios are compounding the pressure for insureds, particularly in trucking, passenger transport and other high-scrutiny classes.

“These conditions demand deep specialization and creative placement strategies with the ability to move quickly in a tightening marketplace,” said Zach Bowling, executive vice president at Amwins Brokerage. “Our role is to help retailers navigate market conditions while securing critical coverage and delivering solutions that balance cost with the protection clients need.”

Despite the challenges, Amwins sees opportunities through data-driven underwriting and strategic partnerships.

“We’re leveraging tools like Amwins DNA and our extensive market relationships to help brokers access capacity while exploring alternative risk solutions and safety-focused strategies that resonate with underwriters,” said Tracy Andrews, vice president at Amwins Brokerage.

Key insights include:

• Premium Pressure & Limited Capacity: Commercial auto premiums rose 9.4%, driven by social inflation, nuclear verdicts and reinsurance costs.
• Economic Strain on Fleets: Tariffs could increase new truck costs by up to $35,000, deterring fleet upgrades while replacement parts remain expensive.
• Class-Specific Challenges: E&S specialty classes, including passenger transport, waste hauling, last-mile delivery, cannabis delivery, and hazmat, are facing heightened underwriting scrutiny, forcing many into the E&S market.
• Geographic Disparities: Capacity remains scarce in New York, Georgia, California, Texas, and Illinois, and the casualty marketplace in New Jersey is still challenging due to high-frequency claims and the increased limit requirement of $1.5 million.
• Emerging Risks: Cargo theft is rising, with AI-enabled fraud schemes targeting logistics systems. Electric and autonomous vehicle adoption remains limited for long-haul freight.
• Tort Reform & Legal Shifts: States like Florida and Georgia are implementing reforms aimed at curbing nuclear verdicts. Texas recently overturned a nearly $90 million trucking verdict, setting a new legal precedent.
• Technology & Safety Investments: Telematics, safety cameras, and electric logging devices (ELDs) are improving underwriting outcomes and helping fleets manage risk.
• London Market Impact: Domestic markets are bundling auto physical damage and motor truck cargo coverage with auto liability at reduced rates, creating competitive pressure and a downturn in London market placements.

Despite market challenges, Amwins’ report emphasizes that preparation, transparency, and strategic partnerships remain the keys to success in today’s transportation market. With no near-term relief expected in rates or underwriting appetite, retailers must proactively position accounts and leverage technology-driven safety solutions while also partnering with specialized experts to secure the right coverage.

Amwins’ transportation specialists place more than $1.2 billion in annual premium, combining deep market relationships with proprietary data and analytics tools to deliver creative, capacity-building solutions that help clients win in a highly competitive environment

Download the Report

The full 2025 Transportation State of the Market Report is available for download here.

About Amwins

Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S., dedicated to serving retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 138 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $44.5 billion annually. For more information, visit amwins.com.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Amwins today announced that Ben Tasse has joined the firm as head of distribution and growth for Amwins’ Underwriting division. In this newly created role, Ben will focus on driving strategic initiatives across sales, distribution, and retail relationships to fuel long-term, sustainable organic growth. “Ben brings a unique combination of underwriting expertise and deep distribution experience, and his carrier background aligns perfectly with our commitment to underwriting excellence,” said Ryan Armijo, president of Amwins Underwriting. “We’re excited to have him on board as we continue to invest in growth, strengthen client relationships, and bolster the resources available to our operating companies.” Tasse brings nearly two decades of experience in underwriting, wholesale distribution, and strategic development. He joins Amwins from Sompo North America, where he most recently served as SVP of Wholesale Business Development. In that role, he built and led a national distribution team, supporting more than 200 underwriters across Property, Casualty, Specialty and Financial Lines and contributing to substantial growth in the wholesale channel. He has also served in leadership and underwriting roles at Axis Insurance, specializing in private equity risks, portfolio management, and complex liability solutions. Throughout his career, he has improved operational efficiency and driven strategic growth initiatives to improve financial performance and deepen retail relationships. Tasse holds a B.S. in Finance from Siena College and is a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU). He’s an active industry speaker and contributor, with appearances on AM Best, Risk & Insurance, WSIA panels and the Siena School of Business Speaker Series. Amwins Amwins is among the largest independent wholesale distributors of specialty insurance products in the U.S., dedicated to serving retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefit products, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 138 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $44.5 billion annually. For more information, visit amwins.com. Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. 

Stealth Partner Group, an Amwins company and leading stop-loss general agency, has published its annual State of the Market report. The comprehensive report delivers timely insights into healthcare and employer stop-loss trends, featuring expert analysis of market dynamics, key segment commentary, carrier insights, and best practices. It also includes strategic cost-saving recommendations and benchmarking data drawn from Stealth’s book of business.

This yearly publication is designed to help brokers and employers navigate a volatile landscape and safeguard health plan assets. It offers a close look at the latest cost drivers, claims patterns, legislative developments, and procurement and renewal strategies in the stop-loss space.

“As healthcare costs and catastrophic claims continue to rise, plan sponsors and brokers are under increasing pressure to make more informed, timely decisions,” said Riva Dumeny, President of Amwins Group Benefits. “Our 2025 report explores the market’s evolving landscape and provides actionable insights to help clients create stronger, more resilient health plans.”

Key highlights from the 2025 report include:

• Escalating medical inflation, prescription drug prices, and infusion site-of-care variances

• Growing use of aggregating specific deductibles and other cost-containment tactics

• The influence of ERISA fiduciary obligations, data transparency requirements, and state-level legislative activity

• Benchmarking metrics across industries, regions, and group sizes

• Expansion of captives, level-funded options, and alternative risk arrangements

• Strategies to address high-cost claims related to gene therapy, NICU stays, and GLP-1 drug utilization

This year’s report also offers expanded insights into network contract disputes, financial burdens posed by emerging gene and cell therapies, and the rapidly evolving specialty drug landscape. Additionally, it introduces cash-flow solutions like Stealth Advance and provides guidance on how employer fiduciaries can comply with transparency regulations and reduce plan leakage through tools such as pre-payment audits and dependent eligibility verification.

“We’re seeing employers become more sophisticated healthcare consumers,” Dumeny added. “Organizations that embrace data-driven strategies, carve-outs, and innovative plan design are better equipped to manage volatility—and Stealth is committed to supporting them every step of the way.”

“In a more complex environment, brokers are being asked to deliver more value with fewer resources,” said Jeremy Fife, Regional President at Stealth Partner Group. “This report arms them with the intelligence and tools they need to lead decisively and provide smarter, more forward-thinking solutions.”

The full 2025 Stop-Loss State of the Market Report is now available for download.

About Amwins
Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the United States. The company serves retail insurance agents with a broad array of property and casualty offerings, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Amwins operates from more than 138 offices worldwide and manages over $44.5 billion in premium placements annually.

About Stealth Partner Group
Founded in 2009, Stealth Partner Group, an Amwins company, is one of the nation's largest specialized general agencies. The firm collaborates with brokers, consultants, and third-party administrators (TPAs) to secure, implement, and manage medical stop-loss and ancillary benefits with top-tier carriers. With 15 offices across the U.S., Stealth offers clients over 150 years of collective expertise in the stop-loss and ancillary insurance markets. Learn more at stealthpartnergroup.com.

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Insurance Business America (IBA) has officially revealed the winners of its 2025 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs awards, celebrating the firms that stood out in a rapidly growing sector of the insurance industry.

As retail brokers increasingly seek specialized expertise and expanded market access, wholesale brokers and MGAs continue to play a vital role in helping them place complex and niche risks. According to IBA’s annual survey, 33% of retail brokers now conduct at least half of their business through wholesalers or MGAs — up from 23.35% in 2024.

Why These Firms Were Chosen

To determine the top performers, IBA surveyed retail insurance professionals across the U.S. Participants rated their wholesale partners on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) across 10 key criteria:

• Ability to place niche or emerging risks

• Compensation structures

• Geographic capabilities

• Marketing support

• Responsiveness

• Pricing competitiveness

• Breadth of product offerings

• Industry reputation

• Technical knowledge

• Use of technology and automation

Firms that received an average score of 4.0 or higher in any category earned a 5-Star designation. Those scoring 4.0 or higher across all ten categories were recognized as All-Star partners.

Brokers also named their top three wholesale partners across 20 major lines of insurance, earning those firms gold, silver, and bronze rankings. MGAs were further evaluated for a “Brokers’ Pick” honor, based on the popularity of their offerings.

2025 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs

IBA’s 2025 list includes the following standout firms:

• AmWins

• BTIS

• Brown & Riding

• Burns & Wilcox

• Gorst & Compass

• Integrated Specialty Coverages (ISC)

• Jencap

• Johnson & Johnson Insurance

• London Underwriters, LLC

• Monarch E&S Insurance Services

• Risk Placement Services

• RT Specialty

• USG Insurance Services, Inc.

• Wholesure

Each of these organizations has demonstrated consistent excellence, responsiveness, and innovation—helping retail brokers succeed in an increasingly complex insurance marketplace.

To view the full list and detailed profiles of the winners, visit the Insurance Business America website.